Monthly Archives: February 2012

Apple today issued invitations to the media for an event next Wednesday, March 7, where it's expected to launch the next generation of Apple tablet the - iPad 3. Invitations to join this corporate event to be held in San Francisco were received by bloggers and reporters alike.

Apple will host the launch event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, a regular venue for the company's press-only announcements and where former CEO Steve Jobs introduced the iPad 2 on March 2, 2011.

Most experts believe the iPad 3 will feature a higher-resolution screen, a faster processor - perhaps Apple's first quad-core - and more internal memory. They have been split on whether the new tablet will support the faster LTE data networks like those now being deployed in the U.S. by Verizon and AT&T.

Apple’s iPad 3 is expected to feature a high-definition 2,048 x 1,536-pixel Retina Display, a new quad-core Apple A6 processor, a more powerful battery, embedded 4G LTE connectivity, an 8-megapixel camera and an exterior design that is very similar to the current iPad 2 but with a slightly modified case. New features tied to the next major build of Apple’s mobile platform are expected to be on display next week as well, and we took a quick hands-on look at iOS 5.1 earlier this month.

The following video provides an insight into the Top 5 Features expected in the iPad3

Apple has not said anything about the price of the new iPad -- some recent rumors have claimed it will cost about $80 more than current models -- when it will go on sale or even the official name of the tablet.

HTC Media Link’s maiden voyage at last year’s Mobile World Congress did not make much of a splash. The second go-around at this year’s MWC out-razzles and out-dazzles its predecessor. The HTC Media Link is a WiFi adapter that lets consumers make use of their HDTV to stream video, music, and pictures via DLNA.

That basic concept hasn’t changed since last year, but the product has been significantly refined to improve the end users’ experience. And, with the 2012 version you can wirelessly stream your phone display – oh the possibilities! With fairy godmother-like precision, a three-finger swipe of the display on the HTC One X or HTC One S will magically bring your display to the big screen via the Media Link.

This means bringing your web browsing session to the TV, or your Angry Birds game, or your email, or your applications. What is really magical about this year’s device is that you can show a feature film streaming from your phone to your home theatre. Does this mean you have to be phone free while the film is being shown? No sir! With a simple touch of the home button, this wonderful piece of smartphone gadgetry and accessorizing lets you continue to use your cell phone. Including phone calls!

To bring the smartphone display back to the palm of your hand, another downward swipe of three fingers on the display will do the trick. For HTC fans that want to maximize the utility of their devices without adding to the tech clutter in the home, this could be the alternative to a docking station.

While there have not been announcements around the availability of this nifty accessory, anyone who uses the media player functionality, apps, games and the many other capabilities of their HTC will add this to the must-have accessory list when suiting up their new HTC One S or HTC One X this spring.

Perhaps the best ways to discover useful apps is to look at what people are actually updating, and not focus on which apps have the most installs. This is a good indicator of those apps having active support from their developers..

The following is the Pure MobileTop 10 list of apps which were updated in the last seven days and received the most updates during that time period on AppAware.

Twitter – Version 3.1.0

What’s new in this version:

Swipe shortcut

Improved scrolling and network performance

Improved support for devices running Ice Cream Sandwich

Confirmation dialog for Find Friends

Security improvements

New languages: Filipino, Simplified Chinese

Many other bug fixes, improvements, and polish

This week Twitter rolled out a minor update focused on performance enhancements. Some power users prefer more control over their Twitter experience and go with apps like Tweakdeck, but if you just want pure Twitter then the official app is the way to go. The improved scrolling makes this version a must update.

Evernote – Version 3.5.3

What’s new in this version:

Note: calendar access is used to add context in empty titles.

fixes note processing issue when saving notes

fixes a crash when installing the update

improves setting interface

several other fixes and improvements

There are a lot of note taking apps out there, but Evernote is the most popular by far. It currently has 10 million installs and maintains an average rating of 4.6.

Most other 2.3 devices have unofficial support. Please see the FAQ in the App description to learn how to enable it.

Android Beam support. Requires the NFC permission.

Media is now saved in a separate folder.

Finally a paid app makes the Top 10 list. Paper Camera retails for $1.99, but it’s well worth the price if you love taking photos with your phone. This app allows real time cartoon and painting effects displayed on your camera feed and adds many other effects to your photos.

Wiki Encyclopedia – Version 2.19

What’s new in this version:

**NEW PERMISSIONS*** New permissions are requested in the latest update in order to enable new features:

I have personally used this app countless time... it has over 5 million installs with an average rating of 4.4. Wiki Encyclopedia offers fast access to Wikipedia for your Android phone and also supports dozens of newspaper feeds. The latest update adds a widget and the ability to upgrade to the Pro version for free.

Viber – Version 2.1.4.588

What’s new in this version:

Bug Fixes

All new Voice engine!

Viber is now location-aware! Share your current location with your contacts so that they will know from where your message was sent.

Send and receive Photos.

New “is typing” indicator will notify you when he or she is typing a new message.

Landscape support for Messages.

While I personally have never used this app, Viber allows you to call and text other Viber users, on any network, as much as you want. The app is available on Andorid and iPhone, which explains why they have over 40 million users. The latest update has a new voice engine that promises “HD sound quality.”

Fix bugs of Pattern Lock may frozen after trying wrong input for 5 times

Fix some other minor bugs

It is one of the most full featured SMS apps and it’s great for Android phones that have crappy custom UIs that replace the default message app. The latest update is mostly bug fixes and optimizations, but give it a try if you are tired of your boring old SMS app.

Movies by Flixster – Version varies with device

What’s new in this version:

New “My Movies” tab to see your movie reviews, collections, and friends’ movies

Merged Box Office and Upcoming into a single tab

Fixed Facebook logout crash on ICS

Numerous other bug fixes and improvements

Flixster is one of the most popular movies apps. The latest version includes a new “My Movies” feature that might be worth checking out if you like to log all the movies you watch.

Dropbox – Version varies with device

What’s new in this version:

Allows you to automatically uploads photos and videos in the background using Wi-Fi or data plan

Heads up, Dropbox can no longer be installed on your SD Card due to more secure credential storage

Dropbox is currently being used at Pure Mobile. Their latest app adds support for automatic uploads of your photos, a feature that’s been available on Google+ for awhile now. They are also offering up to 3 GB of free cloud storage, but then again Box is offering 50 GB for free.

Astrid – Version varies with device

What’s new in this version:

Entirely new design and themes

Subtasks!

Ability to outsource tasks with TaskRabbit

More reliable sync with Google Tasks

Tablet version!

Fixes for a few bugs experienced in 4.0.0 launch

New permission GPS Only used when you specify location for tasks through TaskRabbit

Astrid has been available on Android for a long time and they continue to release new updates that add a ton of features. If you are looking for a personal assistant to help you manage your tasks and to-do lists, then give Astrid a try. The latest version 4.0 adds a completely new look and adds support for tablets. It also supports sync with Google Tasks, which is a popular feature among to-do apps.

Last December, Sony released an alpha Android 4.0 ROM... now they are regaling us with more ice cream sandwich goodness. Sony has released the beta version of this ROM for select Sony Xperiadevices

While this update comes with much more functionality than its predecessor, it still lacks very important features. Some of the more prominent added features include activated GSM modem, FM radio, updated UI, beefed up lock screen and a quick dialer. Being able to access GSM networks is probably the most important, consumer utilizing this ROM will now be able to make calls... precisely what phone is designed to do.

There are important features that are lacking, though, since Sony is still waiting for approval in order to activate them. Such include WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as access to Google Apps including the Android market. Hopefully Google will give them the okay soon, and Android 4.0 will be in the wild before too long.

This beta version is aimed at developers, as Sony does not intend this incomplete ROM to be used as a daily driver. Regardless, it could be fun for the more adventurous Android user to check out what Ice Cream Sandwich will be like on Sony hardware. If you happen to be the proud owner of an Xperia Arc S, Xperia Ray, or Xperia Neo V, this ROM is available for your flashing needs.

Verizon may still be blushing a bit from its “free” PR blurb on Saturday Night Live the other weekend for its convoluted explanations and advertising of its 4G LTE network. Luckily for the telecommunications giant, Verizon is looking to get a bit more positive press this week with the Android 4.0.3 update whispers for its Motorola DROID RAZR. And based on the leaked images to date, the details on the new user interface are much needed improvement over the most recent UI images of the MotoBLUR.

Watch this video for additional insight on the Motorola DROID RZR ICS

If you compare the images between the two Motorola devices, it is clear that the handset manufacturer has done an overhaul. Resplendent with the much touted Android 4.0, most of the custom skin has been removed to better let the ICS Holo theme come through. Motorola has made its mark on the home screen and the app launcher. This translates into custom icons verses the stock Android 4.0 icons and additional functionality in the app launcher which permits the end user to sort applications by groups (something this writer has yet to figure out how to do on an iPhone). And, if you are really inclined to customize, there are any number of personality-sparking protective cases to pick from.

In going further than skin deep (pardon the double entendre), the OS of the DROID RAZR bears more marks of Motorola’s tampering of Ice Cream Sandwich. The settings, camera, and lock screen are all clearly marked with classic MotoBLUR aesthetics with stylistic touches from Android 4.0.

With Google Android’s complicated, global web of manufacturers and distributors, the challenge is quite often “thanks for all the hype. Now where is my OS update?” So to properly set expectations, we checked the official Motorola Android 4.0 update list which still has the Verizon DROID RAZR update eligibility tagged as “under evaluation.” The international version of the handset is expected to get its update in the second quarter.

But, ever the optimist, there is still the chance that Motorola and Verizon will bring a tasty Ice Cream Sandwich DROID RAZR to the United States sometime this quarter. With good luck and even better planning Motorola could beat HTC to the punch and be the first vendor to push out an OEM update for Android 4.0

As always, with the plethora of carriers, unlocked devices, and mobile OS options now on the market, the world is your oyster to choose your next smartphone!

Today Apple can seemingly do no wrong. But if you think back a couple of years, you will likely recall the fuss made around the iPhone4 and the unheard of design flaw that had jaws flapping. Honestly, it had been ages since the incident had crossed my mind. And unfortunately for Apple, Antennagate has reared its ugly head once again.

The silver lining for the tech darling is that this time the reminder comes in the form of a bookend on the class-action lawsuit that had been levied against Apple after the 2010 iPhone 4 release that caused some serious problems for customers trying to actually use their iPhones to speak with others. Some users noticed that when the strip along the side of the handset was covered it would result in a loss of signal and eventually a dropped call.

To stem the tide of a disgruntled public, Apple offered free Bumper cases for iPhone4 buyers. Alas, they were only available through September 30, 2010 which did not appease those who had waited in line and paid a premium for the long-awaited iPhone4 – hence, the multiple lawsuits filed against Apple.

So those iPhone customers who felt cheated because of the time limit on free bumper cases will be pleased to hear that the class-action lawsuit against Apple translates into either a free Bumper case or $15 cash to iPhone4 customers in the United States. Personally, my iPhone4 is already enshrined in the protective case of my choosing. But, the $15 cash is a great incentive to buy the new running accessories or headset I’ve had my eye on.

To claim the reward of your choice, visit www.iPhone4Settlement.com (it is not yet up and running). The website will provide information on how customers can receive their free case or get the cash in hand. In case you forget, Apple will be required to send reminder emails to iPhone4 users prior to April 30th.

Thankfully this design flaw was addressed with the iPhone 4S and the tech company continues to bring its signature innovation and style to consumers with products like the iPad that have made it the success story to date and an industry leader, not a follower.

With a device this size having these specs... is it a smartphone or is it a tablet or is it a little bit of both - to coin a new phrase smartabletphone

Do they really expect customers to hold this handset (overall dimensions of the Vu are 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5mm) to speak on the phone for any length of time? At least the latter bodes well for Bluetooth headsets.

In addition to being a “multimedia lover’s dream device” - the phone features a 5-inch 1024 x 768 IPS display, a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor, an 8-megapixel camera, and will support LTE. What's new is the storage capacity — the phone will come with 32GB of storage — and the full dimensions. The phone measures in at 5.49 inches by 3.55 inches, making it wider than the already substantially-sized Galaxy Note, but thinner at just 0.33 inches thick (8.5mm). Taking another cue from the Note's playbook, the Vu introduces the 'rubberidium' stylus pen as well.

As an alternative to the Galaxy Note, we are looking forward to seeing the product launch. In its press release, LG stated the Optimus Vu “boasts unmatched productivity. Its unique built-in QuickClip hotkey allows users to conveniently capture screenshots and memos with a single push. Jotting notes is also possible with a finger or with the dedicated Rubberdium pen”.

While this Android newcomer will initially come with OS 2.3 Gingerbread, an Ice Cream Sandwich update is en route. Also, before giving us a peek of this handset at the Mobile World Congress LG confirmed that the Vu will be available at Korea’s SK Telecom carrier in early March. As an LTE-enabled device, this could very well be seen in Canada later this year, but there have been no details around carrier availability or if the handset will be available unlocked.

With the Mobile World Congress on the horizon, the top smartphone vendors (Apple, Blackberry, HTC, LG Mobile, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony) are ramping up products that were introduced and released earlier this year and fine tuning the messaging for the upcoming event that will give them the opportunity to leverage the publicity, innovative mobile accessory launches that accompany these global gatherings. So, Samsung is in a great position to capitalize on the momentum on the world stage for its latest international device, the SamsungGalaxy Note.

As with other Samsung offerings, this unlocked cell phone has gone through a series of transformations before reaching the shores of North America and will align with its American siblings in certain areas. With four touch sensitive buttons under the screen and a Snapdragon S3 chipset under the hood, the 1.5 GHz dual-core Scorpion processor is a differentiator from the Exynos silicon found in the global version of the handset.

And, with the added LTE connectivity, S Pen (stylus and pen), and large 5.3” Super AMOLED screen, this device looks to create its own niche and make its own waves in the mobile device industry. There is a slew of features that make this smartabletphone a good fit for some customers including a microSD slot (a nice consideration for a device that is likely to eat up a lot of storage), video recording in 1080p that has USB host and TV-out support, and full Flash support which is definitely sought out in media playing devices. The specs are long and worth checking out, but I would venture to say that the peripheral devices and accessories that will come along with this device will also be key.

The size of the handset will make headsets and Bluetooth devices all the more imperative for those customers using the Galaxy Note as one-handed use is bound to be tricky. Purchase of a protective accessory that precludes the need to fit this smartabletphone in your pocket is also a likely necessity. All in all, Samsung has created a device that answers the needs of consumers who are looking to consolidate the number of devices they tote around. The functionality will please many, but to truly get the most from this handset, customers will have to plan carefully and invest in the best accessories and peripheral devices to fit their usage and lifestyle – all of which we look forward to seeing and reviewing at the MWC!

Can you hear the Apple machine cranking? The infamous company has yet to reach its zenith for this century according to Gartner reports and financial projections of the past few weeks and its adoring public is not likely to disappoint or be disappointed.

Tablets will see an explosion in sales over the next four years, selling 60% as many units as PCs by 2015 – and Apple iPad will still have almost half the market by then, says the research group Gartner in a bullish forecast.

After delivering a surprisingly popular (and by last quarter’s earnings reports, buyable) iPhone 4S, we are more prepared than ever to see the company’s latest iPad. The iPad 3 has had rumors swirling about it for months now. Considering the slate is to be the third in a line of tablet royalty, it is no wonder that the speculation and press around the device could easily fit into the format of US Weekly. And would probably be interesting than reading about the

So when we caught wind that images of the device had been published by the Chinese language Apple Daily before the official announcement, inquiring minds needed to know just how accurate those images were considering the limited visuals that had been previously leaked. We are also keeping an ear to the ground for any news on Apple iPad3 accessories

Happily, previous reports seem in line with what was seen in the Apple Daily. The case will be familiar to iPad2 users, but has the twist: a gradual taper leading from the back to the edges. This will likely translate into new accessories needed for the new slate, but that remains to be seen.

From the spec perspective, the Apple Daily reconfirms that the iPad3 will have a 9.7-inch Retina Display and an 8-megapixel camera. With a quad-core Apple A6 processor and embedded 4G LTE connectivity under the hood, customers will not be disappointed. Apple is expected to debut the iPad3 at a press conference early March where we will hopefully hear more of plans to pair exclusively with a telecommunications carrier or if the device will be made available unlocked.

Brand reputation can be hard to quantify. The way consumers feel and the degree of trust they assign a company and its brand are tied up into a lot of intangibles. However, Harris Interactive, a marketing research firm has developed a Reputation Quotient to measure brand reputation. Comprised of six dimensions of reputation, this year’s new front runner, Apple was top-ranked in four: products and services, financial performance, workplace environment, and vision and leadership. The California based company was outscored by Whole Foods in the social responsibility category and by Amazon in the emotional appeal dimension of reputation.

This year marks the firm’s 13th annual Reputation Quotient survey and Apple snagged a score of 85.62, the highest score recorded since the survey began. Furthermore, in other Google vs Apple episodes, Apple has edged out Google from its top spot in 2011’s poll. Another cloud-service provider, Amazon joined the ranks of the top 5 companies and the list was rounded out by Coca-Cola and Kraft Foods.

According to Robert Fronk, the executive vice president of Harris Interactive, the rise of these kinds of companies to the top ranks is not unexpected. “We are seeing the emergence of a group of companies that garner reputation equity by being positively associated with multiple industries […] companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon.com combine innovation and leadership across multiple business areas, giving them true competitive advantage.”

Between the iconic mobile tech devices (the iPad, iPhone, iPod, iTouch etc), the must-have accessories for those devices (docking stations, headphones and the like), and cloud services that Apple is going to bring to our homes with an iTV Apple fits Fronk’s model very well. Google will deliver comparable innovation and products, but may be hurting its brand reputation by not having the total control over device creation by its myriad of manufacturers as Apple does. Their core approaches to business, development and brand management vary – but then again, so does the name of which company reigns supreme.